A LOVER'S GIFT FROM HIM TO HER in Poetry, Prose and Music

[Editor's Note: The following is a combined review with A LOVER'S GIFT FROM HER TO HIM.]--Music and verse are at war in this turgid conglomeration of mismatched sounds and sentiments. Unlike Naxos's other well-chosen and well-paced compilations of lyric poetry, this pair of love orations is far too declamatory, the selections predictable, the music interminable. The readers must declaim every line to be heard over the orchestral background, and Michael Sheen, in particular, sounds like he's addressing the Senate rather than a lover. The musical accompaniment is of the swelling, rapturous kind. Could this be a Naxos parody that has somehow slipped onto the market? "Her" comes off much better than "Him" in these mismatches. Only those who have completely lost their heads in love will be able to tolerate this kitschy pair. D.A.W. © AudioFile 2001, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/MAY 01]